Multisensory literacy instruction system

Abstract

A literacy instruction system includes a plurality of pieces each having a groove in the top face in the shape of a character, such as a letter, numeral, or geometric shape. A flexible, erasable writing surface is permanently adhered to the top face and covers the groove. The writing surface is configured to receive the tip of a writing instrument and resiliently depress into the groove below, whereby a raised outline in the top face guides the tip to aid in writing the character for which the groove is shaped. In an embodiment, the bottom face of each piece is covered in a magnetic material, and the system is packaged with a magnetic board for holding the character pieces. In another embodiment, the plastic writing surface is transparent. These embodiments enable the character pieces to be manipulated quickly and easily, accelerating the process of learning to write and spell.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is a Continuation-In-Part of and claims the filing benefit under 35 U.S.C. §120 of application Ser. No. 14 / 058,265, filed 20 Oct. 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present invention pertains generally to literacy instruction, and more particularly to a literacy instruction system including a plurality of multisensory character shaped pieces.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]The traditional stencil is one prior art writing training device in which the proper manner of writing is mastered by tracing a guide with a writing instrument. A stencil is a thin sheet of material, such as paper, plastic, or metal, with letters or a design cut from it, used to produce the letters or design on an underlying surface by applying pigment through the cut-out holes in the material.[0004]A first drawback of a stencil is that to be formed from a continuous piece of material, stencils of letters and numera...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The multisensory literacy instruction system is a set of magnetic pieces that can be used to teach reading, writing, and spelling. These pieces have been designed to be particularly useful for children under the age of seven and people with dyslexia or other learning disabilities. The outer shape of the magnetic pieces provides sensory reinforcement for students who learn through touch and motion. The system also includes a grooved outline and a smooth, flexible writing surface, which allows for repeated practice and easy learning.

Problems solved by technology

A first drawback of a stencil is that to be formed from a continuous piece of material, stencils of letters and numerals which encircle a hole, such as a, b, p, d, 8, 9, and 0, must have a small break where the hole portion is connected to the rest of the outline.

At the break in the stencil the writing instrument stops and the student must lift the writing instrument and place it on the other side of the break, disrupting the flow of the writing process.

Having to lift the pencil off the paper is detrimental to learning to write characters properly, and may exacerbate the problems that those with reading and writing difficulties are trying to overcome.

The second drawback is that during the process of learning to write and spell, the child must find the appropriate letter stencil, line it up with the last letter, trace it, and then find next letter, etc., repeating this process for each letter in the word being written.

This is a cumbersome, time-consuming process which disrupts the flow of learning to write and spell.

In addition, the stencil of a given letter covers letters of the same word which were previously written, preventing the student from being able to visualize the word as they write.

The third drawback is that stencils are often used with an underlying surface, such as paper, which is used once and then thrown away.

This approach is an unnecessary waste of money and natural resources.

Finally, the fourth drawback is that the stencil must be held in place with the other hand while the student uses it.

This process is also cumbersome, and if the stencil is not held firmly, it slips, and the image is not formed correctly.

Therefore, the student will soon get bored or frustrated, and sufficient training will not be obtained.

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